Published: 15 March 2026 | Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. UK students applying for the Egypt eVisa need a valid passport, digital photo, enrolment proof, and funds evidence; the $30 tourist eVisa covers study stays under 30 days. Degree-level programmes over 30 days require a student visa from the Egyptian Embassy in London plus an Iqama residence permit after arrival. UK retirees use the same process with pension statements as income proof; from 1 August 2026, a $36 digital visa on arrival is available at Cairo International Airport.
Egypt eVisa Requirements for Students: Document Checklist
For the Egypt eVisa, UK students must upload the following documents via visa2egypt.gov.eg at least 7 days before departure.
- Passport – valid at least 6 months beyond arrival date, minimum 1 blank page for eVisa (2 blank pages for student visa applications); colour scan of bio-data page in JPEG or PNG format.
- Digital photo – minimum 600×600 px, white background, taken within the last 6 months; consular applications require 45mm × 35mm prints.
- Proof of enrolment – a university letter on headed paper dated within 30 days, or a valid student ID with photo and expiry date. For student visa holders, two copies of school registration are required.
- Proof of accommodation – hotel booking confirmation, university housing letter, or host invitation.
- Return flight itinerary – travel plan summary tied to the dates on the application.
Each document must meet prescribed format and validity standards for the Egypt eVisa; upload JPEG, PNG, or PDF files directly within the online form. Documents in foreign languages require certified translation into Arabic or English.
Proof of Funds and Sponsorship for Student eVisa
Egyptian authorities publish no minimum balance for the Egypt eVisa, but a 3-month bank statement showing £1,000 to £1,500 is the practical benchmark covering tuition fees, living expenses, and health insurance.
Proof of sufficient funds must cover tuition, accommodation, food, transport, and health insurance; a printed PDF from online banking is accepted.
| Accepted Document | What It Must Include | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Personal bank statement | Full name, account number, bank name, 3-month transaction history | Printed PDF accepted; stamped branch copy ideal but not mandatory |
| Scholarship award letter | Student name, award amount, programme duration | Replaces personal bank statement where applicable |
| Sponsor affidavit of support | Sponsor name, relationship, financial commitment, signature | Notarisation recommended |
Students without personal income upload a sponsor affidavit alongside the sponsor’s 3-month bank statement, proof of relationship (birth certificate), and a copy of the sponsor’s passport during the Egypt eVisa application process.
Egypt eVisa for Retirees: Documents and Proof of Income
UK retirees use the same tourist Egypt eVisa but should provide a State Pension printout or private pension statement as proof of recurring income.
UK retirees apply through the same online portal at visa2egypt.gov.eg and pay the standard Egypt eVisa fees: $30 USD single-entry or $65 USD multiple-entry. No age surcharge applies.
Retirees substitute employment or enrolment documents with proof of recurring income: State Pension printout, private pension statement, annuity letter, or investment income statement.
The UK NHS GHIC is not valid in Egypt; private travel insurance with pre-existing condition riders is essential for retirees 65+.
Retirees planning return visits within the visa validity period should select the $65 USD multiple-entry Egypt eVisa. Overstay fines apply after 14 days beyond the authorised 30-day period.
Fees, Processing Times, and Student Residence Permits
The Egypt eVisa costs $30 USD single-entry or $65 USD multiple-entry, with no student discount. Processing takes approximately 7 business days via visa2egypt.gov.eg (Visa, MasterCard, debit cards accepted). A physical visa on arrival costs $30 USD (cash only). Consular visas from the Egyptian Embassy in London cost £33 single / £68 multiple (in-person: card only; postal: Postal Orders only). From 1 August 2026, a digital visa on arrival costing $36 USD (card only) is available at Cairo International Airport.
Applicants from Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Iran, Mali, Niger, Syria, Palestine, and Israel require prior security clearance (up to 3 months); British Travel Document holders also need pre-approval.
Apply for the tourist Egypt eVisa
Students pay the standard $30/$65 fee.
Enter Egypt on the eVisa
Single-entry permits up to 30 days; degree-level students use it for initial entry only.
Register at the Gawazat office
Within the first few weeks of arrival, submit enrolment letter, passport, photos, proof of funds, and health insurance to obtain the Iqama (residence permit).
Pay the Iqama fee
EGP 1,000 to EGP 2,000; valid for 1 year, renewable annually.
Avoid late-registration penalties
Failure to register results in fines and legal complications.
For student visa applications, a medical examination and police clearance certificate (certificate of good conduct) may also be required. Student visa processing takes 4 to 8 weeks; apply 3 to 4 months before programme start.
FAQ
How much bank balance do I need for an Egypt student eVisa?
No minimum is published. A practical benchmark is £1,000 to £1,500 in a 3-month bank statement. A sponsor affidavit can substitute for personal funds.
Can I apply for the Egypt eVisa as a student, or do I need an embassy visa?
Short courses under 30 days: the tourist Egypt eVisa suffices. Degree-level study over 30 days: apply for a student visa via the Egyptian Embassy in London and obtain an Iqama after arrival.
Do Egyptian authorities accept printed PDF bank statements?
Yes. PDFs from online banking are accepted if they show full name, account number, bank name, and 3-month history. A stamped branch copy is ideal but not mandatory.
What documents do UK retirees need for the Egypt eVisa?
Same standard documents as any tourist: passport, photo, return flight, accommodation proof. For income, provide a State Pension printout, private pension statement, or annuity letter.
Can students work part-time in Egypt on a tourist eVisa?
No. A tourist Egypt eVisa does not permit employment. Students wishing to work must obtain a separate work permit through the Egyptian Ministry of Manpower.
Can I enter Egypt with a UK BRP but not a British passport?
Yes, if your nationality is on the eligible list and your BRP is valid for at least 6 months beyond entry. EU, USA, Australia, and New Zealand citizens may have visa-exemption options.
What is the new digital visa on arrival in Egypt?
From 1 August 2026, digital visa on arrival at Cairo Airport costs $36 (card only) for all eligible nationalities, including students, as an alternative to the pre-arranged eVisa.
How long does the Egypt eVisa take to process for students?
Standard processing is approximately 7 business days; embassy postal applications take 5 to 10 business days. Apply at least 4 weeks before travel.
Visa requirements can change without notice. Always verify with the FCDO Egypt travel advice or the Egyptian Embassy before applying. This guide is for informational purposes only.
